Though rare, some children are born with an extra finger, a condition known as polydactyly. Now, for the first time, a team of researchers set out to see whether having this extra appendage is somehow beneficial. The answer is yes. The bottom line: Having an additional finger significantly boosts a person’s ability to manipulate objects,… read on >
Got a stuffy nose? If you vape, that might be why. Research in animals suggests vaping makes it harder to clear your nose of mucus, a new study reports. Experiments in sheep showed electronic cigarette vapor can cause a condition called mucociliary dysfunction, which makes it harder to move mucus or phlegm. Sheep were chosen… read on >
Large meals, carbonated beverages and excitement are some of the many triggers for hiccups, says Mayo Clinic. In most cases, a bout of hiccups will last only a few minutes. To get rid of hiccups, Mayo Clinic suggests: Gargle with ice water. Hold your breath. Sip cold water. For chronic hiccups, lifestyle changes such as… read on >
When you think of effective cardio exercise, the activities most likely to come to mind are aerobics classes, running, swimming and cycling. But racquet sports like tennis may hold even greater benefits, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. And, as a bonus, they could also be more fun, making it… read on >
Americans are making shifts in the supplements they take — fewer multivitamins and vitamins C and E, more fish oil and vitamin D. Many think of supplements as magic bullets, but studies don’t always support their supposed benefits. Some research is positive. Vitamin D is important for good health and very hard to get naturally… read on >
People who use common heartburn drugs for months to years may face heightened risks of dying from heart disease, kidney failure or stomach cancer, a new study suggests. The study included more than 200,000 U.S. veterans. It’s the latest to raise concerns over drugs called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). They include prescription and over-the-counter drugs… read on >
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear that is caused by water remaining in the ear canal after swimming or showering. To help prevent swimmer’s ear, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests: Teach children to use a towel to dry their ears after water activities. Encourage children to wear ear plugs while swimming.… read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday gave the nod to Emgality, an injected medication that’s the first to cut the frequency of cluster headaches. Episodic cluster headaches are “an extremely painful and often debilitating condition,” the FDA’s Dr. Eric Bastings noted in an agency news release. He’s deputy director of the Division of… read on >
Whether you grow it yourself or buy it at your farmers’ market or grocery store, zucchini is a great way to add variety to traditional dishes and even increase portion sizes of favorite recipes without extra calories. Love cool cucumber salad? For a tasty variation, use thin strips of peeled zucchini, cut on a mandoline.… read on >
Much research has explored the mental and physical health benefits of maintaining social contacts well into later life. Studies also show that maintaining sexual health can have profound benefits that may include slowing down the aging process. Besides the exercise value of sex, research has found that sexual pleasure and intimacy may help ease everyday… read on >
